1. Christianity

2. What is Christianity? A diverse, 2000 year old religion
Followed by almost 1/3 of the world’s population
2.1 billion
Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus
Believed to be the Christ (messiah, savior) by his followers (thus called “Christians”)

3. Major Divisions Protestant Anglican Roman Catholic 365 million
1.1 billion
Eastern Orthodox
217 million
Protestant
365 million
Anglican
80 million

4. The Historical Jesus
Born, lived, and died a Jew in the first century in Roman occupied Palestine
Knowledge of his life is based on New Testament
Little is known of childhood
Baptized at age 30 by John (“the Baptist”)

6. Jesus’ History, continued
Then began a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing as an itinerant teacher
Had a following of 12 primary disciples
Also known as the Twelve Apostles
Peter, James, John, Andrew, Bartholomew, James the Younger, Judas, Jude, Matthew, Philip, Simon, and Thomas

7. Jesus’ Death
Put on trial for being a revolutionary & a political threat to Roman authorities
Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate
condemned and put to death by means of crucifixion
The following Sunday, He appeared to his followers as a triumph over death
Later ascended into Heaven

8. Jesus’ Teachings Focused on the kingdom of God
Standards of human conduct
Merciful God—how people should treat each otherGolden Rule
Personal God --“Our Father”
Known as miracle worker and faith healer
Religious and social reformer
Accepted a variety of people
Preached forgiveness of sin over punishment for sin
Turn the other cheek

9. Scripture Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)
New Testament (written after Jesus’ death, by his followers, during the first century)
Four gospels (“good words”) about the birth, life, teaching, acts, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Written by Mark, Matthew, Luke & John
The Book of Acts of the apostles – earliest history of the developing church
Epistles (“letters”) of Paul addressed to the churches they founded and led throughout the Mediterranean
The Book of Revelation – of John - a vision of the end of time, or the Apocalypse.

10. Beliefs and Customs Baptism: outward sign of commitment to Jesus
Eucharist (communion): symbolic meal of Jesus’ last meal with disciples; taken in thanks and celebration
Trinity: belief in God as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; not 3 different gods
Saints: celebrated people who led good lives, often associated with miracles

11. Other Beliefs
Original sin: all humanity is inherently separated from God
The sacrifice of Jesus – a sinless representative of humanity (a “scapegoat”) - as the ultimate atonement for the sins of humanity
Heaven and Hell:
Eternal life for those who are “saved by the blood of the lamb (Jesus)”
Eternal damnation for those who are not so saved

12. Christian Holy Days Two major seasons in the Christian calendar:
Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus
Easter – commemorating the resurrection of Christ
Christmas:
Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day)
Christmas Day (December 25th)
Epiphany (the “twelfth day of Christmas”)